George McElroy

Captain George Edward Henry McElroy MC and Two Bars, DFC and Bar (May 14, 1893 - July 31, 1918) was a leading ace fighter pilot of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force during World War I.

McElroy was born at Donnybrook, near Dublin, Ireland. He joined the Royal Irish Regiment promptly at the start of World War I, in August, 1914, and was shipped out to France two months later. For a time, he was a motorcycle courier. He was commissioned in May, 1915. He was severely wounded by mustard gas while serving in France, and sent home to recuperate.

He was still in Dublin in April, 1916, when the Easter Uprising erupted. Because he was still in the military, he was drafted to help quell the insurrection. McElroy refused to fire upon his fellow Irishmen. Because of his refusal, he was transferred to a southerly garrison away from home until that autumn. The transfer seemed to be punitive.

McElroy became intrigued by the air war. He transferred to the RFC in late 1916. He trained as a pilot at Upavon in February, 1917. From there, he joined 40 Squadron, where he benefitted from mentoring by Edward Mannock. He originally flew a Nieuport 17, but with no success in battle. By year's end McElroy was flying SE-5s and claimed his first victory on December 28.

An extremely aggressive dog-fighter who ignored often overwhelming odds, McElroy's score soon grew rapidly. He shot down two German planes in January, and by the 18th of February had run his string up to 11.

At that point, he was transferred to command a flight in Number 24 Squadron. He continued to steadily accrue victories by ones and twos. By March 26th, when he was awarded the Military Cross, he was up to 18 'kills'. He was injured in a landing accident on April 7th; he brushed a treetop while landing. By then he had run his score to 27. While he was sidelined with his injury, on April 22nd, he was awarded a bar in lieu of a second Military Cross.

Following convalescence, McElroy returned to 40 Squadron in June. He scored three times at the tag end of the month, on the 26th, 28th, and 30th. The latter two triumphs were observation balloons. That ran his tally to an even 30.

In July, he added to his score almost daily. He kicked off his month with a third balloon busting on the 1st, and proceeded to run off one of the most triumphant months in the history of fighter aviation, adding 17 victims during the month. His run of success was threatened on the 20th by a vibrating engine that entailed a rough emergency landing that left him with scratches and bruises. He had had to break off an attack on a German two seater.

On July 26th, his mentor and friend, "Mick" Mannock was killed by ground fire. Ironically, on that same day, "McIrish" McElroy received the second bar to his Military Cross.

However, his continued apparent disregard for his own safety when flying and fighting could have only one inevitable end. On the 31st, McElroy reported destroying a Hannover C for his 47th victory. He then set out again. He failed to return from this flight and was posted missing. Later the Germans dropped a note saying that McElroy had been killed by ground fire. He was 25 years old.

McElroy would receive the Distinguished Flying Cross posthumously on August 3rd, citing his shooting down 35 airplanes and three observation balloons. The Bar would arrive still later, on September 21, and would laud his low-level attacks. It appears likely that just such an attack was the end of him.

In summary, McElroy shot down four enemy planes in flames and destroyed 23 others, one of which he had help upon. He drove down 16 enemy craft out of control, and thus out of the fight; in one of those cases, it was a shared success. There were also the three balloons he destroyed.

McElroy is buried at the Laventie Military Cemetery in northern France, along with his friend Mannock.

Citations

Military Cross

2nd Lt. George Edward Henry McElroy, R.G.A. and R.F.C.For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has shown a splendid offensive spirit in dealing with enemy aircraft. He has destroyed at least two enemy machines, and has always set a magnificent example of courage and initiative.

(M.C. gazetted 26th March, 1918.)

Military Cross First Bar

2nd Lt. George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., R.G.A., and R.F.C.For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When on an offensive patrol, observing a hostile scout diving on one of our aeroplanes, he opened fire, and sent down the enemy machine in an irregular spin out of control, when it finally crashed completely. Later in the same day, he sent down another enemy machine in flames. On another occasion, when on offensive patrol, he singled one out of four enemy machines, and sent it down crashing to earth. On the same day he attacked another enemy machine, and, after firing 200 rounds, it burst into flames. On a later occasion, he opened fire on an enemy scout at 400 yards range, and finally sent it down in a slow spin out of control. In addition, this officer has brought down two other enemy machines completely out of control, his skill and determination being most praiseworthy.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 22 April 1918 (30643/4822)

Military Cross Second Bar

Lt. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., R.G.A., and R.F.C.For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While flying at a height of 2,000 feet, he observed a patrol of five enemy aircraft patrolling behind the lines. After climbing into the clouds, he dived to the attack, shot down and crashed one of them. Later, observing a two-seater, he engaged and shot it down out of control. On another occasion he shot down an enemy scout which was attacking our positions with machine-gun fire. He has carried out most enterprising work in attacking enemy troops and transport and in the course of a month has shot down six enemy aircraft, which were seen to crash, and five others out of control.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 26 July 1918 (30813/8753)

Distinguished Flying Cross

Lt. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C.A brilliant fighting pilot who has destroyed thirty-five machines and three kite balloons to date. He has led many offensive patrols with marked success, never hesitating to engage the enemy regardless of their being, on many occasions, in superior numbers. Under his dashing and skilful leadership his flight has largely contributed to the excellent record obtained by the squadron.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 August 1918 (30827/920

Distinguished Flying Cross Bar

Lieut. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., D.F.C. (Royal G. Artillery).

In the recent battles on various army fronts this officer has carried out numerous patrols, and flying at low altitudes, has inflicted heavy casualties on massed enemy troops, transport, artillery teams, etc., both with machine-gun fire and bombs. He has destroyed three enemy kite balloons and forty-three machines, accounting for eight of the latter in eight consecutive days. His brilliant achievements, keenness and dash have at all times set a fine example and inspired all who came in contact with him.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 September 1918 (30913/11248)

References/External links

* [http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/ireland/mcelroy.html George Edward Henry McElroy - The Aerodrome - Aces and Aircraft of World War I ] at www.theaerodrome.com Accessed September 13, 2008.

* [http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=328068 Commonwealth War Graves Commission ]

* http://www.firstworldwar.com/bio/mcelroy.htm Accessed September 13, 2008.

* http://membres.lycos.fr/asduciel/mcirish.htm Accessed September 13, 2008. Translated from French to English via babelfish.

* Norman Franks. "SE 5/5a Aces of World War I". 2007, Osprey Publishing.